INTERACT FORUM

More => Old Versions => JRiver Media Center 28 for Windows => Topic started by: Olombo on December 11, 2021, 01:04:02 pm

Title: Simple relay connection?
Post by: Olombo on December 11, 2021, 01:04:02 pm
Hi

still happy with JRiver! But since my home cinema is now finished for some time new tasks must come up for not getting borried :-)

I would really like to switch my ambient light in the cinema off if movie is playing and on again if movie is paused/stopped.

2 ways to interact: some kind of tcp/ip via my knx ethernet interface (might be complicated?!) or use any kind of simple relay interface (various types existibg with usb or ethernet connection).

Any suggestions for an easy approach?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Simple relay connection?
Post by: Outlaw Audio on December 12, 2021, 11:03:15 am
I use a Logitech remote and Phillips Hue lighting.  Since they work seamlessly together, the solution was fairly easy. 
Title: Re: Simple relay connection?
Post by: Olombo on December 12, 2021, 11:36:47 am
Hi

I also had the idea using my remote. However I use a apple remote and flirc. Works nice! But how should it know if I just enter a menu or start/stop a movie? Here is same key for many possible actions.

Title: Re: Simple relay connection?
Post by: Outlaw Audio on December 13, 2021, 11:07:29 am
my routines are simple toggle functions.  There are four distinct states to the system

The startup sequence begins when the system powers up.  After a timeout period (need to time how long it takes your HTPC to load and become responsive to input commands, the system transitions into the Ready mode.  From this point, macros associated with the play/pause and stop buttons take over.  When the play/pause button is pushed for the first time, the system moves to the Play/Pause mode.  Subsequent presses of the play/pause button transition the system between Ready and Play/Pause modes.  The stop button simply brings the system back to its initial state.  The system shutdown command turns the house lights back to 100% and the accent lights to off.
It's a dumb system with no handshaking or feedback, but has worked well for me.  YMMV depending on your system setup.  My other solution involved a smart brain controller from Kramer Controls.  They manufacture smart modules that can be custom programmed to communicate with JRiver via the MCWS interface.  Its more bulletproof but way more expensive and involved